WELLINGTON, Fla. (CBS12) — Wellington International CEO Murray Kessler was fired effective immediately after the organization said it conducted an independent investigation into a workplace matter involving him. In a statement, Wellington International said it launched that investigation within 24 hours of learning of the situation and took immediate steps to support the employee who reported it.
A Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office report says the employee accused Kessler of battering her during a Feb. 7 incident at the VIP Club at the equestrian venue. According to the report, the victim told deputies Kessler approached her from behind while she was crouched and speaking with clients, grabbed her hair with both hands and pulled her head backward, positioning it near his crotch area while telling her to come with him to an in-arena presentation. The report says the victim told deputies she was shocked and embarrassed and apologized to clients after the interaction.
The sheriff’s report says the victim identified Kessler as her direct supervisor and described him as the CEO of Wellington International. She told deputies the matter was initially being handled internally through human resources and that she had been asked to work from home. The report says the victim wanted to proceed with prosecution…